Chapter 5 The Devil in the Suit

stared at the phone on the floor. My phone except it wasn't mine. The case was identical, but mine was in my pocket.

This one was shattered, stained at the edges... and still recording.

A soft creak echoed from behind me.

I turned.

Damian stood in the doorway.

No coat. No smile. Just him, blocking the only exit with a stillness that made my blood freeze.

"Curiosity," he said softly, "is dangerous, Tiana."

I couldn't speak. Couldn't breathe. My eyes darted toward the freezer.

He followed my gaze.

"Some things," he murmured, "are better left locked away."

I stepped back. He stepped forward.

My hand brushed a letter opener on the desk. Small. Sharp.

He noticed.

"Don't be stupid."

"You're going to hurt her," I said. "Aren't you?"

His smile returned cold this time.

"Your mother was always meant to be the final tier."

I lunged. He caught my wrist mid-air. His grip was inhumanly strong. I screamed. The letter opener clattered to the ground.

But something else happened.

The recording phone-his phone-started playing back our conversation.

Loud.

Clear.

From the hallway, we heard footsteps.

High heels.

My mother's voice.

"Damian? Why is Tiana screaming?"

Where's Tiana ?

Tell her not to be loud I need some rest.